Tuesday came quicker than I had imagined. One moment I was still enjoying a pleasant Sunday at home, and the next I was on my way to meet the bigshots from the financial and movie-making industry.
That morning I received a fax from Kota-san, containing information about the people I would be meeting in a few hours.
The corporation that offered the funds for making the movie was called Nozomu Financial and their representative would be Managing Director Asakura Ryuu. At 35 years old he was already a big figure in the financial world. With a lot of achievements under his belt and the support of other managers in the company, Asakura Ryuu had made a name for himself in the business. It appeared that the president of the company favored him quite a lot and so he gained the freedom to proceed with several investment ideas without having to report beforehand.
The other two people who would be joining us were from the production company. They were film director Mayama Kenta and movie producer Fukuoka Shintarou. Kota-san wrote to me a little about them, only mentioning that they were willing to work with us as per the contract conditions and that they were in their late thirties, early forties. They had both worked together on a few other projects, which had all been a booming success. Also, their individual achievements weren’t to be ignored either. Awards, nominations, prizes and trophies; they both had more than a handful of those warming up their shelves at home.
Looking at the data, that meant I was the least accomplished out of all of them. It’s true that my books have sold well, but I can’t say I became a sensation. Compared to these people’s hot successes, mine can only be said to be lukewarm at best. Furthermore, if you take the age, excluding Kurosawa-kun, I would be the youngest. Can someone like me really talk business with those heavy figures from their respective industry?
Trying to support my troubled mind with encouraging thoughts, I drove like a robot not paying attention to the scenery. Before I knew it, I had arrived at the restaurant half an hour earlier than the agreed time. There was nothing to be done than to get inside and wait.
The place they had chosen for this meeting was an elegant, but rather small venue. The entire eating area was tastefully decorated with traditional tatami mats, pillows for sitting and short tables. As far as I could see there weren’t many people around and the tables were separated by folding screens. That allowed for people to meet intimately, not being worried about prying eyes, but at the same time giving off the feeling of being in a community.
As soon as I entered, I was greeted with a polite bow. After stating my name and business, a waiter took me to a table in the far-left corner. I was offered water and left by myself to wait for the rest of the party.
Kurosawa-san was going to arrive shortly as well. He said he couldn’t leave the office earlier so, instead of picking me up, he would be coming straight to the restaurant.
While I waited for that half an hour, I finally managed to reign in my emotions. I was still a bit nervous, but far less than when I had arrived.
Just as I was about to look for a waiter to order something to drink, I saw a man dressed in a stylish dark grey suit coming over to my table. His black hair was slicked back, showing a wide forehead. His eyes looked penetrating as he was glancing around. Even from afar this person exuded strength and authority. I was suddenly reminded of the Chinese idiom ‘standing out like a crane among chickens’. This truly fitted the man perfectly. I was sure that wherever he went, he would attract people’s attention.
After looking around for a short while, this ‘crane’ turned his head and stared in my direction. Our eyes locked and he shot me an enchanting smile. At first, I thought I was imagining things, but no sooner I had shaken off the idea, that the man came towards me with large strides.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.” He said politely, but maintaining the same smile as before. “My name is Asakura Ryuu and I am here to meet with Masato Keita-sensei.” He finished with a bow.
“Ah, hello Asakura-san. My name is Masato Keita.” I replied, getting up hastily and returning his polite bow.
“Yes, Kota-san showed me a picture of you when we met last time, so I recognized Masato-sensei immediately.” He said casually. “Though I must say, you are more good-looking in person.” He finished in the most natural tone possible.
Again, with the good-looking. How many people have called me that so far? And why is it that I never knew before that I was this kind of striking person?
But at this point, I couldn’t help but be impressed with Asakura-san. This was clearly a man polished in high society. The way he carried himself was truly outstanding. Every gesture, every look, his entire person gave off a feeling of power. His voice was low and magnetic, and his manners appeared courteous and refined. There really wasn’t anything unpleasant about this person.
While I was idly assessing him, Asakura-san was busy fixing me with a focused gaze. The corners of his lips curled up and he gave me a less business-like smile. Before I could register it well, he took a seat and gestured for me to follow his example.
“Did you wait long?” Asakura-san asked right after I sat down. He was looking at the empty glass of water I had in front of me.
“No, not really. I just arrived much too early.” I replied giving a small smile in return to his polite inquiry.
“Were you that eager to meet me?” he asked casually and rather teasingly. It surprised me a little that he dropped the business-like manners so quickly.
“More like nervous.” I retorted lightly, waiting to hear how he would reply. But he merely smiled and remained silent.
Though I was taken aback by the casual manner in which Asakura-san began talking to me as soon as he arrived, I didn’t want to appear narrow-minded. Who knew how great minds like his thought, so it was best not to get into a conflict right from the bat.
Right then, the waiter arrived.
“Is coffee alright or do you prefer tea?” Asakura-san asked me before the waiter could pose his polite inquiry.
“Uhm, green tea for me. I don’t like coffee very much. Thank you.”
“Then I’ll have black tea.” Asakura-san told the waiter.
After we were left alone, he leaned back slightly and fixed me again with his eyes.
“I noticed that you are very honest with your words, Masato-sensei.” He said, looking rather pensively.
I watched him carefully for a few moments. His eyes never strayed away from my face, as if he was studying me. I didn’t like the feeling so I decided to speak bluntly. It was best to let this person know of my real character right from the beginning, in case things might get complicated further on. I was never good with slick people and I never had a glib tongue.
“I don’t have a reason not to be honest. If I don’t like something, I’ll make sure to stay away from it.”
“Hmm, is that so?” he asked, brushing a hand across his chin, continuing to look thoughtful. “In that case, what do you think about this place?”
“I think it’s a very nice-looking place, very suited for this kind of business meeting.”
“Do you like it then?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good then.” He concluded by himself, startling me.
Come again? Why exactly does it matter if I like it or not?
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“To be honest I had a hard time picking the location for our meeting.” Asakura-san continued to speak in a candid manner. “Kota-san had previously warned me that you do not like crowded places and tend to stay away from people. Finding a restaurant without many people, while still being in good business wasn’t an easy task. I am glad I was able to make the right choice with this one.”
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“Then why did you decide to accept in the end?”
“I wanted to see my story brought to life in a movie.” I blurted out before I could stop myself. I knew I said I will be honest, but maybe not to this degree. It was a bit embarrassing.
Asakura-san stared at me silently, making me feel uneasy. Then, I heard him laughing.
“There you go again. Such blunt honesty is really hard to find nowadays.”
“I’m actually not that impressive. There is still someone even better at it than me.” I said, Kurosawa-san’s face appearing in my mind at that moment.
“Oh, is that so? Someone even more honest than Masato-sensei?”
“Yes. I believe that I began to open up and be more honest about my thoughts after I started working with him.”
“He sounds very impressive. And who might this person be?”
“He…”
Before I could finish, as if he was summoned by my words, Kurosawa-san entered the restaurant and saw me. I raised a hand and waved at him, not even realizing that I was smiling widely.
“Masato-sensei, I’m sorry… I’m late. Traffic was awful and I… also had to park a little farther away from… here.” Kurosawa-san spoke between light pants. It was clear that he ran here from his car.
“It’s alright.” I said simply, then I turned to look at Asakura-san. “Asakura-san, this is the person whom I was just telling you about. Kurosawa Rintarou, my editor.” Then turning towards Kurosawa-san again “Kurosawa-san, this is director Asakura Ryuu, from Nozomu Financial.”
“Ah, it’s nice to meet you.” Kurosawa-san hastily bowed and pulled out a business card.
“Likewise.” Asakura-san replied politely, handing his own business card.
When we were all sitting down, Asakura-san looked at his watch and frowned slightly.
“The other two people should arrive shortly. I told them a different hour because I wanted to have the chance to talk to you alone, Masato-sensei. Since you have agreed to our terms, I wanted to ask you to come to a location viewing next month. We’ll be gone for about a week and see more than five places where the filming might take place.”
“A week?” I asked in amazement. “Don’t these kinds of activities usually take longer?”
“Yes, they usually do. But now it’s just the initial phase so we’re just going to view possible sites. We might not even stick with them until the end.” Asakura-san replied.
“Isn’t that just a waste of money? Why not wait until more planning is done, then go and see locations?” Kurosawa-san butted it at the right time. To be honest, I was thinking the exact same thing.
Asakura-san began laughing, taking both of us by surprise.
“Now I know what you mean by ‘a person who is even more honest than you’.” He said chuckling into his fist.
“Huh?!” Kurosawa-san looked between Asakura-san and me, looking completely puzzled.
Just then, the tea was served. Kurosawa-san ordered a strong coffee and then the conversation continued.
“You’re right, Kurosawa-san.” Asakura-san began. “It might be a waste of money, but I don’t care as long as the results are flawless. This movie is very important to me, so I want to make sure everything goes down perfectly. If we have to take several more trips, then so be it. I have the money and the time.” He said in a way that made him sound brash.
“Well, I guess directors from big financial corporations who are favored by the gods can afford to be this bold.” Kurosawa-san said with a strange smile. “But I am sorry to have to refuse you, Director Asakura-san. Masato-sensei cannot go with you for a week. Since nothing has been planned or decided yet, there is no need for him to travel so far for nothing. After more planning is done and the final list for locations has been approved, we can go and see them with you.”
I was startled by both his tone and attitude. It was my first time seeing the usual cheerful Kurosawa-san being so direct, almost impolite, to such a high figure like Asakura-san. I was expecting the director of Nozomu Financial to explode in anger at being talked to in this manner. However, to my astonishment he merely smiled and sipped his tea calmly. Where were the rains of curses and threats that I had imagined? Or the breaking of contract and all possible business relations? Perhaps I had underestimated the businessmen’s level of tolerance. Apparently, they could be quite thick-faced.
“Kurosawa-san, I understand what you say, but it is precisely that we have yet to decide on the final locations that I want Masato-sensei to join us. I want him to look at the sites and give us his opinion, whether those places fit into his image for the story or not.”
“That might be so, but I still find it rather troublesome. Masato-sensei has been working on a new book recently and it is not long before he finishes the initial draft. It would be inconvenient to get interrupted at this stage.” Kurosawa-san argued.
Again, I nodded my head, thinking he had a point. I was almost finished with the plot and then we would have to review it several times before the final piece is approved.
Asakura-san turned to look at me. Since I was sure he saw me nodding my head, I decided to follow-up with words. But right before I was able to say anything, two other men appeared at our table. The movie director and the producer had arrived.
The director Mayama Kenta was wearing a tweed costume and black-rimmed glasses, having an aloof look about him, while the producer Fukuoka Shintarou was dressed in a black business-like suit, with his hair cut very short and a frowning expression on his face. Other than that, there was nothing else to catch my attention. They seemed pretty ordinary now that I was looking at them closely.
We made presentations, bowed and exchanged business cards. Then the five-men meeting was officially in full swing.
Mayama-san spoke little, leaving Fukuoka-san to make most of the conversation, while Kurosawa-san and I merely listened and offered our input when necessary. On the contrary, Asakura-san kept silent the entire time. He had a detached expression on his face, making it impossible to know what he was thinking about.
Strangely enough, no one brought up the one-week trip afterwards, not even Mayama-san or Fukuoka-san. I didn’t want to be the one to say anything, and apparently Kurosawa-san had the same idea as me, because he didn’t mention it either.
Thus, two hours passed and we decided to conclude our first meeting.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Masato-sensei. You are just as Kota-san described you. I look forward to working with you.” Fukuoka-san said at the end, gracefully stretching his hand for a shake.
I looked at his outstretched hand and hesitated for a second. But it wouldn’t do to refuse, therefore, I shook his hand politely.
A sonorous voice boomed in my head, sounding annoyed and harsh.
Humpf, weak looking brat! He doesn’t know squat about movies and we have to tolerate it just because Director Asakura-sama has taken a fancy to him…
At this point I snapped my hand back as if it had been burned by something. What the hell was that just now? Such a strong annoyance that I could almost feel it. It’s not my fault that they forced me into this. I didn’t want to be here taking part in these stupid meetings either, you know?! And what was that about fancying? Fukuoka-san, are you perhaps delusional?
Then came Mayama-san’s turn to say his parting words. Thankfully, he kept his aloof style and didn’t say anything too pompous. Just a simple ‘Looking forward to working with you’. But then the dreadful handshake came. I almost trembled when I touched his hand, hoping against hope and praying to all the gods that this person would not have such anger towards me.
Ah, I am glad this is over with. I am hungry. I wonder what Shouta-kun is doing now. I bet he is home waiting for me. Aah, I miss him already…
Well, this is something new. I guess this person doesn’t just seem detached from the world, he actually is a bit. Well, except for that Shouta-kun person. Wonder who that is. His brother? Friend? Possibly roommate?
After Mayama-san and Fukuoka-san took off it was our turn to depart. Asakura-san took care of the tab, while Kurosawa-san and I waited at the table.
“Do you want me to drop you off, Masato-sensei?” Kurosawa-san asked.
“No, I brought my car.”
“You look tired.” He continued, leaning closer and placing a hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you? I can come and pick up your car tomorrow.”
“No, it’s really alright. I can drive home. It’s not that far away. Thank you, though.” I looked up and gave him a weary but heartfelt smile.
Just then Asakura-san returned. He glanced between us, settling his eyes for a moment on Kurosawa-san’s hand on my shoulder. He didn’t say anything, but his vision darkened slightly and I felt a chilly sensation running down my spine.
Then, the frozen atmosphere disappeared as quickly as it came and Asakura-san appeared to be just as accommodating as before. Was what I saw earlier my own imagination?
On our way out of the restaurant, Asakura-san maintained a distance from us. Once outside, I breathed in the evening air. It felt good and reinvigorating.
“You don’t have to trouble yourself to accompany us further, Asakura-san. My car is just right there.” I told him, wanting to maintain a well-mannered attitude until the end, though it was getting quite exhausting both physically and mentally.
“It’s no trouble. You don’t have to be so polite, Masato-sensei.” Asakura-san replied with a vague smile. “We’ll be working together, therefore we should be more open with each other. Just like the beginning of our meeting.”
“I guess you’re right. Then, take care until our next meeting.” I bowed my head wanting to leave.
“Yes, talking about that. I didn’t hear your own opinion about the one-week trip. I’d like to know what you think, instead of having your editor tell me.”
Ah, true. At that time, I didn’t get a chance to tell him what I really thought. Thus, my answer came swiftly.
“I believe what Kurosawa-san previously said is correct. I wouldn’t want to interrupt my work now and since Kota-san has already shared with you my information, I think you can safely imagine that I wouldn’t feel comfortable traveling outside town for a week with a large group of people.”
Hearing that he smiled and took a step closer.
“What if it’s not a large group? What if it’s only me and you?” Asakura-san said, reaching out a hand and grabbing my arm, pulling me closer towards him.
“What are you saying, Asakura-san?” I asked in astonishment. “Why would we go, just the two of… us?”
The next second, a fervent voice reached into my mind. It was different from Asakura-san’s usual composed voice. This one sounded more unguarded, more… urgent.
You have to agree to come with me. Keita, you have to. There are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I want to share. If only…
My eyes went wide while listening, and I almost let out an exclamation of surprise, but a moment later Asakura-san’s thoughts got interrupted abruptly. I looked around in confusion and saw that Kurosawa-san had pulled my arm from Asakura-san’s hold. He was standing between us, glaring openly at the other man.
“I believe this is not the way a highly respected director like you should act. Isn’t that right Asakura-san?” Kurosawa-san asked in a frigidly cold voice.
“I would advise you to remember your position.” Asakura-san retaliated in an equally icy tone.
Despite the obvious threat in Asakura-san’s tone, Kurosawa-san refused to back down.
“I remember mine, but do you know yours, Director Asakura-san?”
“You are merely his editor and this has nothing to do with you. So, do not interrupt us again, Kurosawa Rintarou, if you know what’s good for you.” Asakura-san spoke through gritted teeth.
All this while, I could only stare at them in bewilderment, not able to understand what exactly was going on. When exactly did our conversation take such an abrupt turn? This sizzling atmosphere and heavy pressure made my chest feel stifled. I just wanted to leave right then and there and leave these two monsters to their own devices. However, I couldn’t possibly allow my editor and new business partner to take this discussion and transform it into a ‘dragon vs tiger’ brawl.
“Uhm, I think that’s quite enough.” I said, pushing Kurosawa-san to the side.
“Indeed, I think Kurosawa-san stepped over the line. I would like to have a moment to talk, just the two of us.” Asakura-san said.
He looked relieved at my interruption, while Kurosawa-san’s body stiffened instantly. His hands curled into fists and his jaw was clenching and unclenching with seething irritation.
I placed my palm on his back, applying some pressure in order to stop him from doing anything reckless. This truly wasn’t one of Kurosawa-san’s good days, getting this riled up for no good reason. For the sake of my own peace of mind, as well as for these two men’s public image, I decided to end this spectacle.
But at that moment something else caught my attention. What was this static sound that I could hear again? I know I’ve heard it once before, back at the hospital, but why is it back again now? Low, rumbling whispers flowed inside my head, like they were coming from somewhere far away and were blocked by some kind of barrier. Then, they stopped and everything was silent again.
Now that it was over, I refocused my attention on the situation at hand. There were still two hotheaded men to appease right in front of me.
“I apologize for my editor’s outburst.” I bowed politely, then continued curtly. “However, I am sorry to say this but Director Asakura-san, too, has crossed the line. I hope we can shake hands and put this misunderstanding behind us.”
For the first time that day, I decided to take the initiative to stretch out my hand. If that could serve as an apology, at least a little, I was willing to endure it.
At my harsh rebuke, Asakura-san’s face changed. His shoulders drooped slightly and his eyes dimmed a little. I felt a tinge of guilt looking at his gloomy appearance. For a second, I was even worried that he would refuse to shake my hand.
“You’re right, Masato-sensei. I apologize for my behavior.” Asakura-san said after a while, taking a step forward and bringing his palm to cover mine.
You were looking so reluctant and evasive earlier, and this Kurosawa always clinging onto you and even replying in your stead. It just made me lose my cool. I’m sorry, Keita. I just… I just like you so much that I lost it.
“Huh?!” I blurted out.
While listening to Asakura-san’s thoughts I was sure my face went through a myriad of expressions, until it finally settled on stunned mode. Eyes wide open, lips slightly parted and a blank stare. That’s how I envisioned myself at that moment. What is it that I just heard? Was that an apology or a confession? Or both?
Asakura-san was completely oblivious of my inner turmoil. He merely smiled and let go of my hand. Meanwhile, Kurosawa-san must have sensed something was wrong because the moment my hand was free, he seized it and took me away from there, all the while shooting daggers at Asakura-san.
I let him pull me for a couple of steps, then I tried to break free. Shockingly, Kurosawa-san refused to let go, instead clutching at my hand even tighter and refusing to look me in the eye.
“Kurosawa-san, let go. I can walk on my own. And besides, you’re taking me in the wrong direction.” I pointed out. “My car is the other way.”
“I am not taking you to your car.”
“Then where are you taking me? Kidnapping in broad daylight… do you think Kota-san would forgive such criminal behavior?” I decided to joke around. Maybe that could calm him down.
Kurosawa-san stopped abruptly and I almost crashed into his back. He twirled around and grabbed me by both shoulders, making me look at him.
“What did you hear back there? What did he think that made you have that expression on your face?” Kurosawa-san asked in a low, dangerous voice.
“N-nothing. He was just thinking… well… nothing really.” I stuttered.
Being cornered like that by an angry looking Kurosawa-san made me panic. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him what I heard, firstly because it was embarrassing and, secondly because it was a personal thing. It had nothing to do with him. I decided to defend myself with offense.
“Kurosawa-san, what do you want?” I asked him, frowning. “I told you it was nothing. Now let me go.”
“You’re lying.” He said brusquely. “It wasn’t nothing, otherwise you wouldn’t have made that expression.”
I stubbornly avoided his eyes and kept silent. Any more of this forceful probing and I wouldn’t be able to keep the offense up.
“That’s it! I’m taking you home.” He said briskly, pulling me again towards his car.
“But wait! My car!” I cried out in panic.
“Leave it. I’ll come and pick it up tomorrow.”
Half an hour later we were inside my apartment, staring soundlessly at each other. Finally, after a few more seconds, I couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Kurosawa-san, what is going on with you today? You have been acting really strange.” I asked, letting out a deep sigh. The exhaustion was beginning to reach a higher peak and all I wanted to do was sleep.
“I just want to know what you heard from Asakura-san. Tell me that and I will leave.”
“Why do you care so much about that? I told you it is nothing.”
Hearing my words, he let out a low grunt, stepping closer and grabbing my arms.
“And I told you that you’re lying.” He said under his breath.
His eyes were staring me down intensely. They looked different from before, as if a strange fire had been lit inside them. The intensity of this stare made me shift my eyes, avoiding to look into those pupils that resembled two hot coals.
“Really now, you’re being absurd. It’s nothing to be worried about. Let me go, Kurosawa-san.” I said, struggling to get out of his grasp.
But he merely tightened his hold. His fingers sinking into my arms, sending waves of warmth through the fabric of my shirt.
“But I…” he began, looking thoroughly conflicted, like he was battling something inside his mind. “I am…worried.” He admitted softly, his fingers slowly releasing me.
Before I could ask what exactly he was worried about, Kurosawa-san turned around and left, leaving me staring dumbly at the closing door.
Aiya these two are cute and looks like there’s more to kurosawa- san than just being honest … Can he control himself not to be heard by him
Thanks for the chapters… The novel is good so far, looking forward for next chapters ♥️♥️
Hmm indeed. He may not be just a silly puppy after all 🤭
Thanks as well for the wonderful feedback. Hope you’ll enjoy the next ones as well <333
awwww. but who is that guy to randomly come and act all high and mighty and think that he likes him?
thanks for the chapter! <3
Well… he may be a tricky one ^_~
<333
So there must be a reason why he can’t hear Kurosawa-san‘s thoughts? 🤔
Thank you for the chapter 💜💜💜
Maybe it’s Kurosawa’s undoubtedly honest heart? 🤔
💜💜💜